Central Serous Retinopathy / Chorioretinopathy

What is Central Serous Retinopathy/Chorioretinopathy?

Central serous retinopathy (CSR) is also known as idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (ICSC) because the exact cause is unknown. CSR is believed to be a non-infectious and non-inflammatory disease that results in a collection of fluid below the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). It most commonly involves the macula. This is believed to be caused by increased and abnormal leakage of fluid under the retina called choroidal vascular permeability.

Causes and Symptoms of Central Serous Retinopathy/Chorioretinopathy

While central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) can occur at any age, most patients are between 20 and 50 years old. Men are affected more often than women, and many patients will be affected in both eyes.

Risk factors include:

The use of cortisone-type medications (steroids – oral, inhaled or injected)

Smoking

Stress

Symptoms of CSR may include:

Blurred vision

Metamorphopsia — objects appear distorted or crooked

Micropsia — objects appear smaller than normal

Central scotomas — areas of decreased vision

Diagnosis

The classic findings of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) are collections of a clear fluid below the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Other problems can develop, including retinal and RPE atrophy or degeneration, subretinal exudation (accumulation of fluid in the subretinal space), scarring, RPE tears, and the development of choroidal neovascular membranes.

Treatment and Prognosis

Approximately 50 percent of people with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) will have more than one episode, and about 10 percent of patients will have more than three episodes. In most cases, the fluid under the retina will resolve spontaneously within three months, and most people (about 90 percent) will maintain relatively good central vision. Some patients, however, may have significant visual effects, and in its most aggressive form, CSR can cause severe central vision loss.

Patients with CSR should:

Stop smoking.

Minimize cortisone or steroid use under the guidance of their primary care physician.

Decrease stress.

For patients who would like more rapid visual rehabilitation and for patients with chronic or severe subretinal fluid, treatment may be needed. Different kinds of lasers can be applied in an attempt to decrease the amount of subretinal fluid. If choroidal neovascular membranes develop, you may need to have injections of medications into your eye to try to stop the abnormal blood vessels.

Retina Consultants of Houston is the largest retina-only ophthalmology practice in Texas with 2 certified research centers and is one of the most respected in the United States. Our practice is also home to the Greater Houston Retina Research Center, one of the country’s leading sites for retinal research. All Retina Consultants of Houston physicians are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specialize exclusively in diseases and surgery of the retina, vitreous, and macula. In addition, we have an ocular oncology division, which focuses on cancer treatments for the eye. Our surgeons have studied at some of the most notorious institutions in the nation and all have graduated at the very top of their classes.